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Understanding the financial context of the opioid crisis.
The opioid crisis is a health issue, a family issue, a workplace issue and a financial issue. This page brings together current public data and trusted resources to help professionals understand the broader context behind the financial conversations families may face.
The numbers are changing, but the financial impact remains significant.
Recent national data show meaningful progress in overdose mortality while millions of Americans continue to live with opioid use disorder. Historical economic estimates also show how broadly the consequences can reach.
4.0M
people age 12 or older had opioid use disorder in the past year.
Source: SAMHSA, 2025 NSDUH
44,564
estimated U.S. overdose deaths involved opioids, down from 55,296 in 2024.
$1.02T
was the estimated U.S. economic burden of opioid use disorder and fatal opioid overdose.
Source: CDC economic burden research
Start with primary public sources.
These resources provide the strongest foundation for understanding prevalence, overdose trends, treatment, economic burden and the connection between substance use and work.
Prevalence & treatment
2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
SAMHSA’s annual national survey includes estimates for opioid use disorder, substance use treatment, medications for opioid use disorder and related behavioral health measures.
Overdose trends
CDC Overdose Data
CDC and the National Center for Health Statistics track overdose mortality and publish provisional estimates that help show how the crisis is changing over time.
Economic impact
The Economic Burden of Opioid Use Disorder and Fatal Opioid Overdose
CDC research examines healthcare, treatment, criminal justice, lost productivity, reduced quality of life and the value of lives lost.
Workplace impact
NIOSH Opioids and Work
NIOSH examines how work, injury, opioid use and recovery can intersect and provides resources for employers, workers and workplace-supported recovery.
Why these sources matter to financial professionals.
A substance use disorder or opioid-related loss can affect income, employment, insurance, savings, debt, caregiving, housing, retirement plans, legal matters and the financial support flowing between generations.
Research does not tell a professional what is happening inside a particular family. It provides context for recognizing that a financial change may be part of a much larger life event and for asking thoughtful questions without diagnosing or stepping outside professional scope.
Use data for context, not assumptions.
Financial changes alone do not indicate substance use disorder. The role of financial awareness is to help professionals understand possible consequences, communicate with compassion, protect appropriate boundaries and connect clients or families with qualified resources when needed.
The effects do not stop at home.
NIOSH notes that the effects of opioids can cross between work and home environments, and that employers can play a role in prevention, treatment access and recovery support.
NIOSH overview of workplace risk factors, employer policies and worker support. Open resource
Research and trends involving prescribing, work-related injuries and workers’ compensation claims. Open resource
Guidance and tools for organizations seeking to support prevention, treatment and recovery in the workforce. Open resource
When the need goes beyond financial education.
These public resources can help individuals and families find treatment information, crisis support and additional education.
Treatment referral
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential information and treatment referral for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use concerns.
Find care
FindTreatment.gov
A confidential federal resource for locating treatment facilities for mental health and substance use conditions in the United States and its territories.
Research changes as the crisis changes. Sources on this page are selected for authority and relevance. Dates are shown when important so older economic findings are not mistaken for current-year estimates.
Request a ProgramBring Opioid Financial Awareness to your organization.
Programs help professionals understand the financial consequences, recognize what may be changing and respond within appropriate professional boundaries.